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Luke 2

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

(As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

(Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?

And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

What does Luke 2:35 mean?

Explanation

Luke 2:35 is a verse from the New Testament of the Christian Bible, part of a prophecy spoken by Simeon to Mary concerning her child, Jesus.

This prophecy predicts that Jesus will cause a division among people and that Mary herself will suffer sorrow because of her son's life and mission.

The "sword" referred to in the verse is commonly interpreted as a metaphor for the emotional agony Mary would endure, particularly during the crucifixion of Jesus.

The second part of the verse, "that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed," suggests that the reactions of people to Jesus' ministry would expose their true spiritual condition or inner thoughts.

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Luke 2:35 takes place during the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple, where Mary and Joseph bring the baby Jesus to perform the rites required by Jewish law following birth.

During this visit, they encounter Simeon, an elderly and devout man who had been waiting for the Messiah and was promised by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ.

The Gospel of Luke is one of the synoptic gospels and was likely written between AD 80 and 110.

It tends to focus on the compassion of Jesus and has a particular emphasis on events that would be of interest to a Gentile audience.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse encapsulates the idea of Jesus as a sign that will be opposed, and the suffering that Mary, his mother, will endure is seen as part of the redemptive history.

In Catholic and Orthodox theology, this passage is often linked to the concept of Mary's Seven Sorrows.

Protestant interpretations might emphasize the second portion of the prophecy, noting that Jesus' presence and teachings test the hearts of individuals, revealing whether they will accept or reject Him.

Practical Applications

In a practical sense, this verse may be interpreted as an encouragement to believers to accept that following Jesus might lead to personal trials and divisions with those who do not believe.

It could also serve as a comfort to those who suffer for their faith, showing that suffering has been part of the Christian experience from the beginning.

Additionally, it reminds Christians to maintain faith even when confronted with social or familial opposition.

Cross-References

"The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.

This is the Lord's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes." (Psalm 118:22-23)

"Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake." (Luke 6:22)
"Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword." (Matthew 10:34)
"And a man's foes shall be they of his own household." (Matthew 10:36)
"But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)

Language Study

The Greek word used for "sword" in this verse is "ῥομφαία" (rhomphaia), which often denotes a large, broad sword. In the New Testament, it is used symbolically to represent a penetrating instrument of sorrow or divine judgment.

The phrase "shall pierce through" in Greek is "διελεύσεται" (dieleusetai), suggesting not just a piercing, but also an intense emotional upheaval or a thorough penetration. This detail underscores the severity of the emotional anguish that Mary would experience.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing to other ancient narratives, a mother's pain over the loss or suffering of a child is a common motif, found in many mythologies and religious texts.

For example, in the story of Isis and Osiris in Egyptian mythology, Isis mourns the death and dismemberment of Osiris.

In the context of other religious interpretations, one might find parallels in the concept of a community or family being divided over religious or moral beliefs, which is not exclusive to Christianity.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the emotional anguish described as a "sword" piercing the soul can actually be reflected in the physical response of the body to intense emotional stress, known commonly as psychosomatic pain.

The strong language used can convey the understanding that profound emotional turmoil can lead to physical manifestations of pain, which is supported by modern psychology.

Commentaries

Biblical commentators have offered various insights into this verse.

For example, Matthew Henry's commentary highlights Mary's sorrow at Jesus’ rejection and crucifixion.

Henry notes that this prophecy prepares Mary for the trials she would face, emphasizing the fulfillment of Simeon's prophecy at the cross.

Adam Clarke's commentary emphasizes that this prophetic revelation to Mary intertwines her own suffering with the wider purpose of revealing the innermost thoughts of others, indicating the divisive effect of Jesus' life and message.

Contemporary theologians and scholars continue to explore the implications of this verse for understanding the role of suffering in Christian doctrine and the nature of Christ's mission.

Luke 2

Luke 2

What does Luke 2:35 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Luke 2:35 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Luke Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?